Topic: Fred Olsen Flights.

We just returned from our first Carribean cruise with Fred Olsen on the Braemar.The Cruise was excellent and we both had a fabulous time. The flights however were another story we were informed that we would be traveling with Thompson in their premium cabin, however when we eventually got on the plane 3 hours late it was to discover it was a first choice plane, I have flown premium with Thompson before and found it to be fine however there is no comparison to first choice premium service the seats are smaller with little padding and the leg room is much less. Whilst I know that aeroplane food is difficult I can only describe ours on the return journey as goo. We were unable to eat anything and the coffee was also cold. Does anyone know if Fred is using First choice/Thompson next year as we have booked with them and I will consider doing my own flights rather than go with First choice again.

Thanks for any help

I can't help with your Thomson V First Choice question but I can tell you that 'Cruise Only' with Fred is a pitiful price reduction as they charter their aircraft as opposed to using scheduled flights, which means they are paying for the seats regardless.

I looked at a Fred cruise for next year but with no real reduction for cruise only I gave it up as a bad job for the reasons you encountered.

I will not do cruise/air with any company at any price, as I prefer to choose my airport, airline and time and day of departures, but good luck with your quest anyway......Wilba

Why don't you ask FO if they do other airlines. Often I ask if they can book me with Virgin Atlantic and pay extra with other lines such as Princess and Cunard. Have never been refused yet on this request.
EDNA We want a badge.

QUOTE:

Why don't you ask FO if they do other airlines. Often I ask if they can book me with Virgin Atlantic and pay extra with other lines such as Princess and Cunard. Have never been refused yet on this request.
EDNA We want a badge.

Edna, Princess and Cunard do not charter aircraft specifically for cruises, they use scheduled flights.
Fred does and that makes a whole lot of difference........Wilba

First Choice no longer exists as they merged with Thomsonfly in late 2008 and are now called Thomson airlines. Eventually they will be repainted in the same livery.
Brian

QUOTE:

Edna, Princess and Cunard do not charter aircraft specifically for cruises, they use scheduled flights.
Fred does and that makes a whole lot of difference........Wilba

Yes they do we were on a charter flight with them, this was on a Thomas Cook plane from Gatwick. If we had gone from East Midlands, as originally intended, then we would have flown with Thomson. Also the flight from Manchester was a Thomas Cook flight. All of these were chartered by Princess.

QUOTE:

Yes they do we were on a charter flight with them, this was on a Thomas Cook plane from Gatwick. If we had gone from East Midlands, as originally intended, then we would have flown with Thomson. Also the flight from Manchester was a Thomas Cook flight. All of these were chartered by Princess.

Err! ..........We are moving away from the point now.

You are quite correct Princess do use charters..........one of my main reasons for not booking with them for years......I simply forgot.......Wilba

QUOTE:

I can't help with your Thomson V First Choice question but I can tell you that 'Cruise Only' with Fred is a pitiful price reduction as they charter their aircraft as opposed to using scheduled flights, which means they are paying for the seats regardless.

I looked at a Fred cruise for next year but with no real reduction for cruise only I gave it up as a bad job for the reasons you encountered.

I will not do cruise/air with any company at any price, as I prefer to choose my airport, airline and time and day of departures, but good luck with your quest anyway......Wilba

Thanks Wilba you were right the price reduction for cruise only is a pittance but we have had it confirmed it will be a Thomas Cook flight in premium hopefully not as bad as the old rust bucket that first chioce used.

Interesting post - we have just had TC flight with FO, and are just about to book another FO cruise in late January. FO have said that it will be TC again from Gatwick to Tenerife for refuelling and then onto Buenos Aires. Looking at the TC page, they do not normally fly that route - so do FO actually choose route as well ? What does it cost for premium seat, and how easy is it to book (as we may be well be booking later than most people) ? Thanks.

Note there are only 31 Premium seats compared to 252 in economy on a Thomson 767 so if you want one you probably have to book early.
Thomson Airways B767-300ER (283 seats) v3 - SeatPlans.com
There is actually more legroom in economy on Thomson than BA, its not really a problem
Brian